Rotary bulb container



arch 3, 1936. TRQUP 2,032,515

ROTARY BULB CONTAINER Filed May 18, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet l QNVE NTOR John HM Troup EWW Attcryzey March 3, 1936. J M, M, TRQUP 2,032,515

ROTARY BULB C ONTAINER Filed May l8, 1954 4 SheetsrSheet 2 INVENTOR Jo H11 M.M.TT0UP Attorn y March 3, 1936. J. M. M. TROUP ROTARY BULB CONTAINER Filed May 18, 1934 4 Sheets-Sheet 3 IINYENTOR do [111 Troup Attorney March 3, 1936..

J. M. M. TROUP 2,032,515

ROTARY BULB CONTAINER Filed May 18, 1954 4 Sheets-Sheet 4 WATT;

INVENTOR John N- Tr p Attorn y Patented Mar. 3, 1936 r 2,032,515

UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE ROTARY BULB CONTAINER John Murray Marr Troup, Walkerville, Ontario,

Canada.

Application May 18, 1934, Serial No. 726,365

9 Claims. (01. 24037.1)

This invention relates to improvements in a Figure 11 is a view showing the alternate conrotary bulb container, its primary object being struction wherein the globe socket is singular to provide means whereby a burned out globe and is reciprocally mounted within the lamp may be replaced immediately. casing.

5 A further object of the invention is to provide Referring more in detail to the drawings in 5 a bulb container wherein a number of bulbs may which similar reference characters designate be inserted and brought into operation as the corresponding parts throughout the several necessity arises. views, it will be seen the invention consists of a A still further object is to provide a bulb conlamp casing I having a concave-convex reflector 1Q tainer particularly adaptable for automobile head I I secured therein. Mounted on the convex sur- 1O lamps having means rotating the said container face thereof and within the said casing l0 are a to bring the globes therein into operation, said D 0f Parallel Stationery p 12,5eid p being means being operable from the dash of the auto. threaded to n e threaded supporting Sockets Another object of the invention is to devise l3 which are securely fastened to the Said focusing means for the said globes so that they fiector ll. Slidably mounted on the said pins I2 may be adjusted to the correct position in th are sleeves l4 between which a hollow shaft I5 is lamp reflector. supported, said shaft is stationary with respect Another object is to devise such a rotary globe to the said sleeves. On the said shaft is a stacontainer having the electrical circuit arranged t n y d c N3 f insulating material v g a in such a manner that the globe is in operation c rcul r r ove ll e At a predetermined 2 when in position to be inserted into the reflector. point on the perip of the Said groeve s a A still further object of this invention is to orifice l8 leading through i e n er Of the devise means whereby the bulb socket containing hollow shaft 15. At the outer end of the said the lighted bulb, may be drawn back into the orifice is a counterbore [9 in which a metal conlamp casing by a connecting element from the tact member 20 is positioned. A terminal 2| is 25 dash board thus throwing the bulb out of focus secured thereto on the inside and an electric wire with the reflector thereby dimming the light. 22 leads therefrom through the said hollow shaft With these and other objects in view that may and out to the electric circuit. I appear while the description proceeds, the inven- The revolving disc 23 is positioned on the outtion consists in the novel construction and arside of the disc l6 and is constructed of metal 30 rangement of parts as hereinafter more specifiin two halves for assembling purposes, the two cally set forth, claimed and shown in the accomhalves being held together on the disc l6 and panying drawings forming part of this speciflcashaft l5 by two circular springs 24 mounted in tion, and in which:- grooves in the periphery of the said disc. Grooves Figure 1 is an elevation of my invention show- 25 are provided in the shaft 15 and are engaged 35 ing the casing in cross-section to expose the by the said disc to keep the same from moving device. laterally thereon. Equally spaced on the four Figure 2 is a plan of the same showing the quadrants of the disc are bulb sockets 26 which rotary container in section. are of the bayonet type to fit standard made 4.0 Figure 3 is an enlarged detail sectional view of bulbs. Within the metal enclosure of the socket the globe socket and electrical contact therefor. is an insulating ferrule 21 and a metal contact Figure 4 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of spring 28 and a spring seat 29. On the lower the same at right angles to Figure 3. side of the spring seat 29 is a contact tongue 30 Figure 5 is a plan view of the ratchet wheel which depends intothe groove H to engage the and side mounting of the rotating element. metal contact 20. It will be seen from the fore- 45 Figure 6 is a side elevation of my invention going that as there is only one such metal conshowing the travel of the rotary element. tact member only one bulb will be lit at one time,

Figure '7 is a detail view of the ratchet wheel. and that the others may be brought into consecu- Figure 8 is a similar view showing the movable tive operation by revolving the outer disc.

ratchet wheel and pin. The revolving mechanism comprises a ratchet 50 Figure 9 is a detail View of the adjustable, wheel 3| Secured to the end of the revolving disc focusing device. 23 in fixed relation thereto. A corresponding Figure 10 is a detail view of a spring device ratchet wheel 32 is rotatably mounted on the which insures the correct orientation of the reshaft IS. The serrated faces of the two ratchet volving mechanism. members are arranged to face and engage each 55 other. There are four teeth 33 provided thereon at 90 to each other and corresponding grooves 34 to receive the same. The rotatably mounted Wheel 32 is held normally in engagement with the wheel 3| by a spring 35 of the shaft l5 and which bears against the sleeve 14 and the said ratchet wheel 32 in a manner to permit slight lateral movement thereto on the reverse turn. The movement of the saidratchet wheel 32 is controlled by a ratchet arm 36 and a pivot pin 31 secured thereto and on which the said ratchet arm is pivotally mounted. A ratchet arm sleeve 38 is mounted on the rear end of the stationary pin l2 by means of a small bracket 39 and. a pin 40. The end of the ratchet arm 36 is slidably mounted in 'the said sleeve which constitutes a' guide therefor. A lug 4| is formed on the said ratchet arm 36 and a pull rod 42 engaged thereto by a swivel pin 43. Said rod extends toward the rear through a guide member 44 formed on the sleeve 38 and a spring 45 is mounted on the rear end thereof by means of a spring retainer 46. A pull wire 4'! is secured to the two sleeves as the reflector.

l4 and extends toward the rear of the lamp casing to a conduit 48 or other suitable guide means for the same. From thence the said wire 41 goes to the dash or other convenient place to be reached by the operator.

When the said wire 41 is pulled the sleeves I4 and all the mechanism carried thereby travel toward the rear of the lamp, until the lug 4| on the ratchet arm engages the sleeve 38 where it is stopped from travelling further. However, the sleeves l4 traveluntil an adjustable stop 49 which is positioned on the stationary pin I2 is encountered. This latter part of the motion causes a partial revolution of the ratchet wheels due to the arrangement of the ratchet arm and pin. The operator then releases the tension on the pull wire and the sleeves l4 are brought into their normal position by means of springs 50 secured thereto and to a stationary part of the lamp such During the latter part of this form and motionthe spring 45 engages the guide member 44 and after compression is applied thereto the rod 42 pulls the movable ratchet wheel back into its normal position.

On the forward end of the pins I2 are cushion springs 5| to protect the device from shock on the return motion. Nuts 52 threadedly mounted on the said pins I2 having a set screw 53 therein provide means whereby the position of the movable elements may be adjusted. This constitutes focusing means for the bulb as the device is adjusted with respect to the focusing of the bulb within the reflector.

A central orifice is provided in the reflector through which the bulb passes in and when being changed. A reflector collar 54 is fitted on the outside of the bulb sockets to close the said orifice when the bulb is in place.

The disc 23 may be provided with a squared sectional portion 55 as shown in Fig. 10 on the opposite end to the ratchet mechanism, the flat sides thereof corresponding to the positions of the globe sockets. Secured to the rear of the reflector or other convenient place is a U-shaped spring 56 of flat or rectangular cross section spring steel. The sides thereof are arranged to engage the flat sides of squared shaft portion 55 in a manner to permit the same to slide reciprocally therebetween. The tension between the two side members of the spring being toward each other and sufficiently strong to hold the revolving mechanism on the square without impeding the lateral movement thereof. it will be seen that as the disc is revolved the spring will be opened by the diagonal corners of the square after which the tension of the spring will cause the disc to quickly assume its correct position.

In Fig. 11 is shown an alternate construction embodying part of the principles of this invention. The bulb socket 26, of which only one is used, is reciprocally mounted on a cylindrical member 51 and the contact spring 28 is likewise positioned therein. The said member is reciprocally mounted Within a sleeve 58 supported centrally in the lamp casing l0 and a coil spring 59 is mounted within the said sleeve to impel the cylindrical member forward. The pull wire 41 is positioned centrally through the sleeve and spring and secured to the member 51. Said wire passes through the guide a conduit 48 to the dash. The

reflector collar 54 is secured to the said cylindrical member 51 and to an outer sleeve 60 whichslides on the outside of the sleeve 58 and acts as an additional guide means. The electric wire 22 is carried through the lamp casing and through suitable insulations 6| into the socket and secured thereto.

From the foregoing description it will be seen that this device is particularly adapted to automobiles, airplanes, railway engines and the like, where it is vitally necessary to install a new bulb when the one in use becomes defective. This may be accomplished with the invention disclosed without stopping or without the operator leaving his seat or controls.

It is obvious that in the case of an automobile whenthe wire is pulled slightly the bulb is thrown out of focus. Advantage may be taken of this arrangement and used in place of dimming the lights. One light may be thrown out of focus and will appear dimmed for the benefit of a passing driver and the other light kept in full power on the edge of the road or ditch. The alternate and more simplified form of the invention being particularly adaptable for this purpose.

It is believed that the construction and advantage of the structure shown may be apparent from the foregoing paragraphs taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings without further detailed description.

While the preferred embodiment of the invention has been disclosed, it is understood that minor changes in the details of construction, combination and arrangement of co-operating elements may be resorted to within the scope of which is claimed without departing from the spirit of the invention.

I claim: V

1. In a rotary bulb changing device of the character described comprising a Iplurality of bulb sockets arranged on the periphery of a disc having electrical contact means therefor, said disc being rotatably and reciprocally mounted within a lamp casing behind the reflector, the axis thereof being at right angles to the light rays of the lamp, said reflector having a centrally disposed orifice therein and means for reciprocally moving the said disc to project or withdraw a bulb mounted in one of the sockets through the said reflector orifice.

2. In a rotary bulb changing device of the character described comprising a plurality of bulb sockets arranged on the periphery of a disc, said disc being rotatably mounted on a non-rotary hollow shaft, said shaft being reciprocally mounted in a lamp structure, an inner stationary disc positioned on said hollow shaft, an electrical terminal element on said stationary disc with conductable means for electric current thereto, contact means below each of said sockets arranged to engage said terminal element when said rotatable disc is rotated to bring same into alignment therewith, and means for rotating the said rotatable disc.

3. In a rotary bulb changing device of the character described, comprising a plurality of bulb sockets arranged on the periphery of a hollow disc, said disc being rotatably mounted on a non-rotary hollow shaft, said shaft being reciprocally mounted in the lamp structure, an inner stationary disc positioned on said hollow shaft within said rotary disc, a circumferential groove in the said stationary disc, an electrical terminal element positioned in the said groove, conductable means for electric current carried through said hollow shaft thereto, spring contact means in each of said bulb sockets, spring seats therefor, contact tongues depending from the said spring seats into the said groove to engage the said terminal element when said rotatable disc is rotated to bring same into alignment therewith and means for rotating the said rotatable disc.

4. In a rotary bulb changing device of the character described comprising a plurality of bulb sockets arranged on the periphery of a disc having electrical contact means therefor, said disc being rotatably mounted on a shaft, said shaft supported between two sleeves, said sleeves being slidably mounted on stationary pins supported in parallel relation to each other on the lamp structure, ratchet means mounted on said shaft and engaging the said rotary disc, a ratchet spring holding said ratchet means normally in engagement, a ratchet arm secured to said ratchet means, a ratchet arm sleeve in which said ratchet arm is slidably mounted, said sleeve supported by one of said stationary pins, a pull rod pivotally connected to said ratchet arm and slidable through a guide lug on said sleeve, a stop adjustably mounted on one of said stationary pins, a wire connected to said sleeves extending out through the lamp casing, and guide means therefor to convenient position for manipulation.

5. In a rotary bulb changing device of the character described comprising a plurality of bulb sockets arranged on the periphery of a disc having electric contact means therefor, said disc being rotatably mounted on a shaft, said shaft supported between two sleeves, said sleeves being slidably mounted on stationary pins supported in parallel relation to each other on the lamp structure, ratchet means mounted on said shaft and engaging the said rotary disc, a ratchet spring holding said ratchet means normally in engageme-nt, a ratchet arm secured to said ratchet means, a ratchet arm sleeve in which said ratchet arm is slidably mounted, said sleeve supported by one of said stationary pins, a pull rod pivotally connected to said ratchet arm and slidable through a guide lug on said sleeve, a stop adjustably mounted on one of said stationary pins, a wire connected to said sleeves extending out through the lamp casing, and guide means therefor to a convenient position for manipulation, spring means normally holding the slidably mounted mechanism in a forward position.

6. In a rotary bulb changing device of the character described comprising a plurality of bulb sockets arranged on the periphery of a disc having electrical contact means therefor, said disc being rotatably mounted on a shaft, said shaft supported between two sleeves, said sleeves being slidably mounted on stationary pins supported in parallel relation to each other on the lamp structure, ratchet means mounted on said shaft and. engaging the said rotary disc, a ratchet spring holding said ratchet means normally in engagement, a ratchet arm secured tosaid ratchet means, a ratchet arm sleeve in which said ratchet arm is slidably mounted, said sleeve supported by one of said stationary pins, a pull rod pivotally connected to said ratchet arm and slidable through a guide lug on said sleeve, a stop adjustably mounted on one of said stationary pins, a wire connected to said sleeves extending out through the lamp casing, and guide means therefor to a convenient position for manipulation, spring means normally holding the slidably mounted mechanism in forward position, springs mounted on said stationary pins to provide cushioning means for same at end of forward movement.

7. In a rotary bulb changing device of the character described comprising a plurality of bulb sockets arranged on the periphery of a disc having electrical contact means therefor, said disc being rotatably mounted on a shaft, said shaft supported between two sleeves, said sleeves being slidably mounted on static-nary pins supported in parallel relation to each other on the lamp structure, ratchet means mounted on said shaft and engaging the said rotary disc, a ratchet spring holding said ratchet means normally in engagement, a ratchet arm secured to said ratchet means, a ratchet arm sleeve in which said ratchet arm is slidably mounted, said sleeve supported by one of said static-nary pins, a pull rod pivotally connected to said ratchet arm and slidable through a guide lug on said sleeve, a stop adjustably mounted on one of said stationary pins, a wire connected to said sleeves extending out through the lamp casing, and guide means therefor to a convenient position for manipulation, spring means normally holding the slidably mounted mechanism in forward position, springs mounted on said stationary pins to provide cushioning means for same at end of forward movement, and means for adjusting said springs on said pins, said means constituting focusing means for the lamp within the reflector, substantially as set forth.

8. In a headlight of the type described, a lamp casing, a reflector mounted in said casing having a centrally disposed orifice, a rotary bulb holding member rotatably and slidably mounted in said casing behind said reflector having lamp sockets in its periphery, means for reciprocating said bulb holding member to project or retract a lamp mounted in one of the sockets through the orifice in said reflector and mechanism for rotating said bulb holding member to successively bring said lamps into alinement with the reflector orifice upon retraction of the bulb holding member.

9. In a headlight of the type described, a lamp casing, a reflector mounted in said casing having a centrally disposed orifice, a rotary bulb holding member rotatably and slidably mounted in said casing behind said reflector having lamp sockets in its periphery, means for reciprocating said bulb holding member to project or retract a lamp mounted in one of the sockets through the orifice in said reflector and ratchet mechanism for rotating said bulb holding member to successively bring said lamps into alinement with the reflector orifice upon retraction of the bulb holding member.

JOHN MURRAY MARR TRO-UP. 

